Episodes

Chris discusses an unexpected brief pause in regular programming due to a recent house fire.

Desert biologist Tim Shields joins 90 Miles from Needles to discuss efforts to protect the Mojave Desert's tortoise population. Shields updates on using non-lethal lasers to deter ravens, major tortoise predators, and shares insights into the challenges posed by the invasive schismus grass. He reve…

Journalist Zak Podmore joins us to explore nuclear waste storage proposals in southeastern Utah, revealing concerns about the environmental and cultural impact on indigenous lands. Podmore discusses his book "Life After Dead Pool," detailing the transformation of Glen Canyon as Lake Powell diminish…

Celebrating a historic milestone for the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe in Death Valley, this episode uncovers the journey from historical challenges to today's collaborations with the National Park Service.

Mary O'Brien from Project 1100 joins us to discuss the often-overlooked impact of honeybee apiaries on public lands, highlighting the threat they pose to native bee species and their critical role in desert ecosystems. The episode explores the unique biodiversity of deserts, emphasizing the irrepla…

Join host Chris Clarke as he explores the inspiring vision of establishing a transboundary network of protected areas across the US-Mexico border with guest Rick LoBello, Education and Conservation Director at the El Paso Zoo. Chris and Rick discuss efforts to connect Big Bend National Park with ne…

Joined by guest Gilberto Manzanarez from Valle Imperial Resiste, Chris explores the community's opposition to an AI data center due to potential environmental impacts, including noise pollution and increased water usage. Despite promises of economic growth, residents face uncertainty regarding prop…

Chris Clarke examines the concept of desertification and its historical and ideological roots. The episode distinguishes between genuine ecological degradation and the misconception that deserts are inherently damaged landscapes. Highlighting insights from geographer Diana K. Davis, it challenges c…

Reflecting on the erosion of environmental laws, rampant industrial proposals, and the clash between ideology and science, this episode urges careful listening to the desert's fading voices. As the podcast enters its fifth year, Clarke calls for community support to continue reporting on these vita…

Chris explores the environmental impact of copper mining in Arizona, focusing on the controversial Copper World project in the Santa Rita Mountains. Chris interviews John Dougherty, Executive Director of Save the Scenic Santa Ritas, discussing the ecological destruction, water issues, and community…

Chris explores truth in an AI-driven age, and questions the reliability of what we perceive as real, using AI-generated media as an example. He discusses the importance of deserts in maintaining truth, reflecting on how they convey authentic facts resistant to societal distortions. The importance o…

Chris Clarke discusses the challenges facing Joshua trees and desert ecosystems with conservation biologist Nick Graver. They explore how climate change, invasive species, and increased human activity threaten these iconic landscapes. Graver, a graduate student at UC Riverside, shares insights on a…

Join host Chris Clarke on 90 Miles from Needles as he speaks with Andrea Hoerr of Save the Scenic Santa Ritas and Great Old Broads for Wilderness. They discuss the rich biodiversity of Arizona's San Rafael Valley and the controversy surrounding new border wall construction. Listeners are invited to…

Join host Chris Clarke for an insightful discussion on wildlife protection and democratic governance with Mandy Culbertson from Wildlife for All. Explore the varying effectiveness of state wildlife policies across the Southwest, the threat of border militarization to biodiversity, and current polit…

With reduced staffing, National Parks in the American Deserts face risks of vandalism and inadequate visitor safety.

Chris Clarke embarks on a journey to the Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta in El Paso, sharing insights from his travels and engaging encounters. He highlights the importance of desert protection, discussing his experiences with passionate advocates across diverse desert communities. Chris explores the sign…

Chris Clarke and Mike Ketterer explore the fallout from nuclear testing and its unexpected impact on regions considered "safe," like Inyo and Mono counties in California. Discover the surprising results of isotopic testing and the potential health legacy of communities near past nuclear test sites.

Chris discusses the fallout from media control and recent political events, emphasizing the need for grassroots support and engagement. The episode touches on the struggles small media outlets face against corporate control and authoritarian tendencies, urging listeners to spread the word.

Chris Clarke reflects on his first encounter with the North American deserts, sparked by a 1966 road trip with his father, James Clarke, who recently celebrated his 91st birthday. This episode revisits a previously shared piece by Chris exploring family ties, personal history, and the profound conn…

Monsoonal rainstorms reshape the desert landscape, and in this episode, Chris explores their recent impact on 29 Palms. Despite the chaos, the storms bring life, vibrancy, and transformation to the arid region. Clarke shares survival tips during flash floods and reflects on the power of nature, fro…

Chris Clarke and Brendan Cummings discuss the recent approval of the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Plan by California's Fish and Game Commission. Brendan outlines the journey from the 2019 petition for protection to the 2023 Conservation Act, highlighting its aim to combat climate threats and ma…

Chris Clarke reflects on the fifth anniversary of the Dome Fire, which devastated over 44,000 acres of the Joshua Tree forest in the Mojave National Preserve. The episode explores themes of loss, recovery, and environmental impact, as Clarke recounts his personal connection to the area and its tran…

A distinguished voice in desert poetry and a former wildland firefighter, Ruth Nolan shares her insights into the ecological challenges and intrinsic beauty of California's deserts through her evocative poetry.

Rubén Martinéz, an instructor, writer, and performer from Loyola Marymount University, shares a captivating reading exploring the duality of deserts—both physical and metaphorical. This reflection ties into broader themes of human migration, spiritual discovery, and personal healing. With insights …